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Janeway saw the whole thing as a kind of rescue, albeit one of a more social nature than usual. Voyager had stopped above a planet that had recently made first contact with which the Federation was interested in maintaining relations. And Janeway, along with a small group, had been invited by the rulers of that planet to a party.
And during the party one of these rulers came to talk to Seven and continued talking to Seven for almost forty minutes before Janeway intervened saying that she needed to talk to Seven about an astronavigation issue. And she led Seven to the garden outside the hall where they would have some privacy.
“What’s the issue?” Seven asked.
“That was just a little lie, it didn’t seem like a very pleasant conversation for you and I thought I’d save you.”
“I'm not sure that was wise. I was investigating something...Captain, I think maybe they were planning to take over the ship.”
“And why would you think that?”
“He was asking all sorts of things about my job, recreational activities and he suggested that maybe I should take him to the ship and show him my accommodations.”
Janeway laughed.
“I don’t see how this is a laughing matter.”
“Seven, I don’t think our host is planning a takeover of the ship, he was simply flirting with you.”
“Why would he do that? I would hardly be a suitable selection for a consort.”
“You are a beautiful woman Seven, that attracts others, makes them leave what is appropriate or not aside”
“Oh. Right...captain?”
“Yes, Seven?”
“Hypothetically speaking, would you leave what is appropriate or not appropriate if attraction were a strong enough component?”
Janeway hesitated for a moment, they were really close to maybe having that conversation, the one she had imagined so many times but whose timing never seemed right.
“It really depends on the case, there are many factors involved.”
“What would be the most relevant to making or not making your decision?”
Seven looked a little nervous, her eyes were really focused on Janeway.
“Reciprocity would be a very important part. If it was clear that the other person felt the same way.”
Seven took a deep breath. And she slowly closed the distance between her and Janeway bringing her lips to hers.
“Is this clear enough?” she said when the kiss ended.
Janeway smiled.
“Yes Seven, I think it is.”
And it took a long time for them to return to the party.